Debuting at Number One, Kanye's fourth album, 808s & Heartbreak, came with a mission statement: not only was he uprooting every rap cliche, he was exchanging them for a pure pop aesthetic. "Either call it 'pop' or 'pop art', either one I'm good with" Kanye said. The 808 of the title refers to a classic drum machine and the heartbreak of the title is spread throughout the album's lyrics, peaking on songs such as 'Heartless'.
Kanye West's rise from rap fan, to guest producer on Jay-Z hit 'Izzo', to multi- platinum selling hip-hop superstar is an unbelievable journey that could only have been predicted by the mega- confident rapper himself. And, as his 14 Grammy Awards testify, it's all due to his extraordinary talent. From 'Gold Digger' to 'Heartless', Kanye's hits fuse hip hop, soul and electronica with a musicianship unmatched by his contemporaries and beloved by his gigantic ever-growing fanbase.
Jay is Kweli's favourite rapper, 50 is Eminem's favourite rapper... and I'm my favourite rapper.